'I'm anxious and worried' - Every word Paul Heckingbottom said on Billy Sharp's hamstring injury

Paul Heckingbottom admitted he was 'anxious' over the extent of Billy Sharp's hamstring injury. The captain came off midway through the second half of today's 2-0 win over Barnsley and is booked in for a scan later in the week.

He's the latest in a line of players to suffer with soft tissue injuries, with hamstrings a particular problem. Having lost the likes of David McGoldrick, Rhian Brewster and Jayden Bogle to season-ending injuries already, Heckingbottom can ill-afford to see his leading scorer go the same way.

Sheffield United's promotion hopes rest on their key striker being available for the run-in and Heckingbottom says he knew it was bad the minute Sharp signalled to come off. He said: "He's felt something. If I'm totally honest, I'm anxious and worried about it.

"If I really think sensibly about this, the positive is that Billy is experienced enough to know his body and as soon as he felt something he signalled over and stopped. He knows not to carry on with anything muscular.

"He'll have a few days rest to recover and we have a scan booked for later on in the week and we'll take it from there."

United moved back into the play-off picture with today's result but Heckingbottom will be hoping the international break has come at a good time for his skipper to recover. They return with a trip to Stoke - the first of eight games to decide their fate in the race for a top-six finish.

With 14 goals and seven assists, he has contributed 21 of United's 52 goals this season and his involvement in that run-in will be crucial.